Syriana and Munich, the last two movies that I've seen, were probably the best two I've seen this year. Both featured great casts as well as superb direction and cinematography. Spielberg is, perhaps, our generation's best story-teller and Gaghan is beginning to show similar elements in his projects as well. The two films contain striking similarities(both are heavily political, both have subject matter rooted in the Middle East, both revolve around long standing struggles:Syriana-power/oil & Munich-Israel/Palestine) yet tell completely different tales. I think, throughout the film, both directors constantly force us to consider the ugly truth that violence and vengeance only begets more violence and vengeance, that such actions and policies pull not only individuals but nations into a vicious cycle of which the beginning is no longer clear and the end nowhere in sight. The underlining message presented is that everyone is complicit, albeit directly or indirectly, in such matters; that there is no clear cut "wrong" or "right" side since every side has had a hand in shady and/or illegal dealings. I'm glad to see intellectually stimulating movies like these not only being produced but receiving critical acclaim and attention. Films that force you to think outside of yourself and leave you considering the larger picture are more that just ordinary movies but cinematic experiences to treasure.